Food & Drink: The Skylark, Wandsworth Common SW18

BY PALOMA LACY

There are few things more comforting to contemplate during a long ramble than a warm and cosy pit stop at the end of it.

And this is precisely what the Skylark on Wandsworth Common offers dog walkers, families, and those just out for a fix of fresh air.

Something of a local institution, I hadn’t heard of it, which surprised me, given that I’m a regular of sister café, The Rookery, at the top of Streatham Common.

A three-stop-hop on the train from my home, I went along to check out what keeps people coming back time and time again.

The answer was clear to me: give the people what they want. That in itself poses a question, the answer to which in 2019 appears to be all-day brunch.

You really would struggle not to find eggs cooked a myriad of ways and available throughout the day on most menus these days.

However, The Skylark takes humble brunch to another level, with its dedication to responsibly sourced and sustainable British produce.

These aren’t just words, because it’s clear that provenance is all, and it shows in the dishes the kitchen creates.

Moving back to eggs, for a moment, only eggs from the Clarence Court stable are used in the making of brunch, here, much-loved by Michelin-starred kitchens all over the UK and simply the best egg out there.

They’re also available from a number of major high street supermarkets and are a staple of my weekly basket.

You’d struggle to find a yolk quite so reminiscent of the burning sun and the creamy texture and taste is out of this world.

Yes, I really am describing an egg but aren’t they just the most versatile and satisfying ingredient known to man?

Whether it’s the full monty of a fry up, breakfast bap or a dish where eggs are the star of the show, poached, scrambled, fried or boiled – it’s all here.

And of course there is more to brunch than breakfast items. I rather liked the look of Winter Spelt-Berry Salad (£8.50) and Baked Herb & Panko Crusted Goat’s Cheese (£9.50).

There’s also a choice of veggie or meat burgers. The former isn’t the run of the mill, instead Beetroot, Kale & Buckwheat (£10).

The kids’ menu is substantial, offering up many pint-size versions of dishes from the main menu. In addition, little people are well catered for, with a number of dishes, especially for their palate.

Cheese toastie, cheesy pizza, twirly pasta and macaroni cheese all likely to hit the spot.

Like all good cafes, cakes are baked daily, with a choice of around 20 hot drinks to wash it down with.

Soft drinks are numerous and the health conscious will be pleased by the range of fresh juices and that healthy gut special, kombucha.

Should the sun already be over the yardarm during your visit, there’s also a good selection of wine, beer and gin and tonic.

The Skylark, Wandsworth
Common, Dorlcote Road, London SW18 3RT.